Vietnam’s Administrative Overhaul: A Bold Step Toward Streamlining Governance
On June 12, Vietnam’s National Assembly made a significant move by approving plans to merge provinces and cities, a reform that aims to eliminate nearly 80,000 state jobs. This shift is part of a broader initiative to reshape the country’s administrative structure, reducing the number of provincial and city administrations from 63 to just 34. As the Vietnamese government seeks to streamline operations and cut costs, this decision marks a pivotal moment in its approach to governance.
A Radical Restructuring
The merging of administrative regions is not an isolated event; it follows the government’s earlier decision in February to reduce the number of ministries and agencies from 30 to 22, resulting in layoffs for approximately 23,000 employees. Lawmakers’ overwhelming support for this recent proposal—461 votes in favor, one against, and three abstentions—underscores the urgency and consensus on the need for reform. Vietnam’s top leader, To Lam, has emphasized that such restructuring is essential for fostering “fast, stable, and sustainable development.”
Staff reductions will come as a shock to many officials. As Interior Minister Pham Thi Thanh Tra aptly described it, this is “the biggest ever revolution since the country was founded” in 1945. The expectation is clear: 79,339 officials will face streamlining, either resigning from their roles or opting for early retirement. The impact on individuals is profound, as some have expressed feelings of sadness and uncertainty about their futures.
Emotional Toll on Public Servants
The human aspect of these reforms cannot be overlooked. A provincial official, who has devoted over 30 years to public service, shared his mixed feelings upon hearing the news. While he anticipates receiving compensation—about a billion dong (around $38,000)—his focus on what comes next reflects the emotional strain that accompanies such drastic changes. “I may receive some money, but I am not happy,” he said, noting his belief that he still possesses the capability to contribute to society.
The Impact on Local Identity
The changes extend beyond government structures; they also touch on the cultural identities tied to these provinces. For some residents, the merging of their native regions brings a sense of loss. Nguyen Thang Loi, a resident from northern Thai Binh Province, expressed his sorrow over the name of his cherished province disappearing: “Though I feel really sad… it’s so weird to say I come from Hung Yen.” This sentiment highlights the emotional complexity involved in administrative reforms.
New Leadership and Structural Changes Ahead
As Vietnam moves forward with these reforms, the restructured administrative bodies are expected to transition from a passive management approach to one that actively serves the public. The government plans to introduce new leadership in all cities and provinces by June 30, officially commencing operations under the new system starting July. Furthermore, an upcoming vote in the National Assembly will address amendments to the national constitution that propose eliminating the middle district level, thereby streamlining administrative levels to just province and commune.
Economic Aspirations Amid Changes
Vietnam’s reforms come amidst ambitious economic goals. Having recorded a robust economic growth of 7.1 percent in 2024, the government aims to reach an 8 percent growth rate this year, aspiring to achieve “middle-income country” status by 2030. However, the nation’s economic landscape remains heavily reliant on exports, and recent geopolitical tensions, such as former President Trump’s proposed tariffs, have sparked urgency in negotiations to safeguard Vietnam’s economic interests.
The Anti-Corruption Context
These structural reforms also coincide with a heightened focus on combatting corruption, referred to as the “blazing furnace” campaign. This sweeping initiative has seen numerous high-profile figures—including two former presidents and multiple deputy prime ministers—swept up in the controversy since its inception in 2021. The drive against corruption indicates a shift in governance philosophy, seeking to establish a more transparent system that fosters both domestic trust and foreign investment.
Conclusion on Governance Evolutions
As Vietnam navigates these changes, the nation stands at a crossroads where the dual goals of efficient governance and cultural preservation must be balanced delicately. With sweeping reforms and economic aspirations, the journey is as much about structural efficiency as it is about the people who make up the heart of the nation. The consequences of these decisions will reverberate through Vietnamese society for years to come, marking a period of unprecedented transformation in the country’s governance.